the May 2026 AGM, we formed a new Rules Sub-Committee. The purpose of this committee is to revise the rules so we return to a single tier system of management (as we had pre 2021), as there are a number of issues with the current two-tier format. We propose a smaller committee than the present Management Committee, but larger than the current number of trustees.
The new committee has agreed a way forward, rewriting rules 12 and 13, plus making some small modifications to some rules, simply to remove any ambiguities. Once we have a draft, this will be forwarded to the solicitor for comments, any recommended amendments, and drafting into a proper, legal format. This draft will be discussed at the next Management Committee Meeting in October.
We also now have a possible candidate for Comms Officer. The absence of a Comms Officer has had a very marked effect on intercommunications within the association, demonstrating what an important role it is. I shall post, as and when this develops, but I am hopeful of some positive news shortly.
In September, we have the Essex Trophy 10-bell Striking Competition. This year, it is being held on September 12th at Horsham, West Sussex. As Master, part of my role is to arrange a band. This year, the competition piece is a course of Rutland Surprise Royal. This method is rarely rung these days, and some of the competition band have never rung it! We are holding three practices, one of which is a quarter peal attempt, in order to become accustomed to ringing the method and familiarising ourselves on how it sounds.
The competition has been extant since 1979 when it was first held at Prittlewell. The competition was instigated by Frank Lufkin. I had the privilege of participating in the competition, ringing with the ASCY band. We were drawn as the penultimate band, and had spent a very long time in the pub, but we still managed to secure second place out of seven teams!